Truman Arnold Kohtz

Truman Arnold Kohtz

Jan. 6, 1944 - March 31, 2024

TWIN FALLS - Truman Arnold Kohtz, 80, of Twin Falls, died Sunday, March 31, 2024. Truman was born January 6, 1944, in Twin Falls, Idaho to William "Bill" and Maria (Wolters) Kohtz. He joined sister, Ruth and was followed by brother, David and sister, Elizabeth. Truman enjoyed his childhood growing up on the family farm.

He graduated from Valley High School and entered the University of Idaho in 1962 where he earned his B.S. in Agricultural Science and graduated with his M.S. in Agronomy in 1969.

After college Truman entered the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School. On September 5, 1970, Truman and Marilee Sackett were married in Twin Falls. They lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado, until his Honorable Discharge from the Army in June of 1971.

Then the Kohtzes moved back to Twin Falls and Truman began his 34-year career with Harris Moran Seed Company, now HM Clause, Inc. He worked through the ranks from Production Field Representative to International Seed Production Manager. Through his work, Truman traveled across most of the United States, several South American countries, France, and New Zealand. Truman enjoyed his work and the people he worked with.

Truman loved spending time with his family. Shawn was born in 1976 and Steven in 1978. When the boys were in elementary school, Truman coached their baseball and basketball teams. The boys grew up going on runs with their dad after work. As they grew older, Truman enjoyed watching their cross country and track meets. He even completed the Race to Robie Creek. After retirement, Truman and Marilee traveled and played golf wherever they visited. Truman was excited to become a grandfather and particularly enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters. They were the highlight of his life for the last 15 years.

Truman was active in the Idaho Eastern Oregon Seed Association where he was on the Board of Directors, served as President, and was elected as a lifelong honorary member. Truman loved his Vandal Alma Mater. He served in the University of Idaho local alumni groups, and on the National Alumni Board. Truman always looked forward to attending University of Idaho football games. His favorite recreational activity was golf. After retirement, he golfed every week with the Over the Hill Gang. Truman was also an avid reader.

He is survived by his wife, Marilee; and his two sons: Shawn (Jillian) of Bozeman, Montana, and Dr. Steven (Dr. Elizabeth); and granddaughters: Arabella and Josephine, all of Twin Falls, Idaho. He is also survived by sister, Ruth Olson of Hazelton; brother, David (Dianne) Kohtz of Eden; and sister, Elizabeth Hayes of Nipomo, California. Truman was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 12, 2024 at White-Reynolds Funeral Chapel, 2466 Addison Ave E. in Twin Falls. Condolences may be left by visiting www.whitereynoldschapel.com.

Memorial contributions in Truman's name may be made to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Idaho. Please send gifts to:

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Excellence Fund MF015, c/o University of Idaho Foundation, 875 Perimeter Drive – MS 3143, Moscow, ID 83844-3143.